Multiple glazed unit



, Nov. 25, 194'1. o. D. ENGLEHART l-:TAL 2,264,176v l v .MULTIPLE GLAZED UNIT Filed Feb. '6, 1940 F lq. l.

-f-Ill Iplates of the units.

Patented Nov. 25, 1941 MULTIPLE GLAZED' UNIT Oscar D. Englehart, Brackenrdge, and Paul II.

Baldwin, Tarentum, Pa., assignors to Pittsompany, a corporation of burgh Plate Glass C Pennsylvania Application February 6, 1940, Serial N0. 317,514

3 (3131x118.v ,(Cl. 2189-64) The present invention relates to insulated window constructions and more particularly to multiple glazed units wherein a special frame structure is employed to prevent condensation of moisture upon the inner surfaces of the glass One object of the invention is the provision of a multiple glazed unit in which a controlled condensation of moisture vapor entrapped or entering therein precludes so-called fogging of the glass surfaces of the unit.

A second object of the invention is'the provision of an insulated frame for a multiple glazed unit by means of which the ordinary heat losses through the frame are reduced to a minimum Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the follow- Aing detailed description ofv a preferred embodiment thereof.

Multiple or ldouble glazing has become of increased importance during the past few years as engineers and technicians have sought means of increasing theA eiciency of temperature control of dwellings, offices and-the like. This work has been hampered by the difficulty of maintaining absolute anhydrous conditions Within the multiple glazed units and the temperature gradient between opposite faces thereof has resulted in a condensation of -entrapped moisture upon the inner glass surfaces of the units. The condensed moisture not only impairs -visibility through the unit but also results very often in a staining or etching of the glass due to the leaching out of soluble alkalies therefrom.

It has been proposed to place desiccants within the units in order that any moisture entrapped within them will be absorbed thereby and no condensation will occur. Additionalv water vapor will enter the units, however, since no material is presently available to provide a vapor-tight seal. Accordingly'the desiccants are rapidly exhausted and unless 'replaced the excess moisture will again be condensed upon the glass.

Another possible solution of the problem lies in the provision of Ventilating ducts permitting free circulation of air through the units. Manifestly, such expedient reduces the insulating eiiiciency of the multiple glazed unit while -at the same time dust and other foreign material enters and clouds the glass surfaces.

Briefly stated, our invention contemplates the use of a special insulated frame holding a plurality of glass plates, the air space intermediate thereof being in communication with a chamber provided in the frame wherein any condensation of moisture will occur.

One embodiment oi the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a multiple glazed unit as positioned for use Within a car; and Figure 2 is a fragmentary vertical section thereof taken substantially along the line II-II of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawing, a metal frame I comprises two complementary sections 2 with base anges 3 and ledges 4 extending therefrom in spaced relation. A plurality of glass plates' 'I with marginal cushioning members 8 of rubberv or other resilient material, substantially of U- shape in cross-section are positioned upon theA ledges 4. A bar I0 of insulating material, as for example, wood or fiber impregnated with wax or other material having a low vmoisture capacity and diffusion rate, is'interposed between the sections 2 of the frame as a spacing element.

The addition of the bar In to the unit fonls a chamber II within the frame section 2 lying to the outside of the unit and ducts I2 are provided in the bar IIJ at suitable spaced intervals to establish communication between the air space I4 intermediate the glass plates and the chamber The metal frame I is secured within an opening dened by a shoulder 20 projecting inwardly from a wall 2l and terminating in a iiange 23 by means of a-retainer strip 25 overlying the frame I and the wall 2l and fastened to the latter by bolts 2li.v A layer 2l ofrubbe'r orother resilient material is interposed between the frame' I and the shoulder 20 to serve as la cushioningsupport" Y vented entirely, however, and the watervapor content of the air in the space I4 will increasey until it is in equilibrium with the vapor pressure 'of the atmosphere.

As the temperature of, the atmosphere decreases, the glass plate 'l facing the outside is the outside of the unit will tend to vaporize the moisture in the chamber Il and as the vapor pressure within the space 'I4 will be higher than that of the atmosphere, there will be an outward iiow of water vapor through the elements 8.

Since the spacer bar I 0 divides the metal frame I, the section 2 thereof facing the warm or inner side of the unit will be maintained more nearly at the temperature of the warm side and no condensation of moisture will be experienced thereon.

It should also be pointed out that the insulated frame reduces heat losses through conduction.

What we claim is: 1. A multiple glazed unit comprising a pair of opposed, complementary metal sash sections substantially of L-shape in cross-section, a glass plate supported in each section upon a ledge provided therein and spaced inwardly from the base portion of the sash section, a spacer of insulating material interposed between the sections and extending from the base portion inwardly `to overlie the edges of the glass plates, said spacer completing achamber Within the base of one of the sash sections, said spacer having ducts therethrough establishing communication between the air space intermediate the glass plates and the chamber, and means securing the sash sections base portion of the sash section, a spacer of insulating material interposed between the sections and extending from the base portion inwardly' to overlie the edges of 'the glass plates, said spacer completing two chambers within the base Y of the sash, said spacer having ducts therethrough establishing communication between the air space intermediate the glass plates and the chamber on that side of the sash whichwiil be subject to reduced temperatures, and means securing the sash sections together.

3. In combination with a Wall having an opening therein, a multiple glazed window positioned within said opening, the unit comprising a metal frame formed of two opposed, complementary sash sections substantially of L-shape in crosssection, a glass plate supported in each section upon a ledge provided therein and spaced inwardly from the base portion of the sash section, a spacer of insulating material interposed between the sections and extending from the base portion inwardly to overlie the edges of the glassand the chamber on that side of the sash which will be subject tov reduced temperatures, and means securing the sash sections together and retaining the unit within the wall opening.

OSCAR D. ENGLEHART. PAUL H. BALDWIN. 

